Passports, Post-Its, and 250 Lists Later
30 days before launch… Everything’s fine… it’s fine… have you seen my to-do list? I need more coffee and Post-Its.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like being one month out from launching a book and prepping for a book festival… let me paint you a picture.
There are 250 to-do lists scattered like confetti, 150 Post-It notes clinging to every flat surface like neon barnacles, and I broke out in insane laughter when I realized I was printing on the wrong side of the printable vinyl.
Somewhere in the chaos, I realized I had to renew my passport because—why not add “international paperwork panic” to the mix? And while it’s a simple matter for others, drama follows me like glitter at a kindergarten craft table. Let’s just say that my passport photo looks like I’ve just survived a 20-hour flight through turbulence with a toddler kicking the back of my seat.
Welcome aboard. We’ve officially set sail for Chaos Cove.
Here’s a peek at my actual pre-launch checklist:
• Rally ARC readers (please, please say yes)
• Finish designs for bookmarks, table overlay, and coasters (more on those in a second)
• Find something to wear. I know it sounds weird—but I need the perfect outfit that says – yes, I’m an international best-selling author, and of course, I have it all together.
• Pretend I’m not worried about another laptop stunt like that epilogue glitch from A Shiver on the River. Let’s just not talk about it.
And I’m only halfway through the list.
And now, The Coaster Chronicles (AKA How I Lost My Sanity but Gained Great Swag)
I had this amazing idea for a giveaway at the Mississippi Book Festival – a custom cocktail coaster for newsletter signups.
Reality Check: Sure I could point and click and have Amazon what I need…Sure I could have sent this off to be done but why? I’m an author AND a crafty person. Right? Suffice it to say that by the end of the 4th coat of acrylic sealer I was loopy enough to seriously consider designing a second batch with “Send Coffee and Sanity” as the tagline. The good news? They turned out gorgeous. So if you’re headed to the festival, you might just score one.
But Here’s the Thing…
Despite the chaos, the panic, and my questionable passport pic, I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Launching Betrayed on the Promenade means Kennedy’s most dangerous (and most hilarious) cruise yet is about to hit shelves. And seeing readers at the Mississippi Book Festival? That’s the dream.
So yes, I’m terrified. But I’m also beyond excited. And maybe (just maybe) I’ve figured out how to print on the correct side of the vinyl. Progress, right?
Now, if you’ll excuse me…
I need to get back to my manuscript. Kennedy’s juggling passengers, pageants, and a certain smooth-talking emcee who may or may not have just taken a very unexpected swim. Things are about to get messy—and not just because of the sequins.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like being one month out from launching a book and prepping for a book festival… let me paint you a picture.
There are 250 to-do lists scattered like confetti, 150 Post-It notes clinging to every flat surface like neon barnacles, and I broke out in insane laughter when I realized I was printing on the wrong side of the printable vinyl.
Somewhere in the chaos, I realized I had to renew my passport because—why not add “international paperwork panic” to the mix? And while it’s a simple matter for others, drama follows me like glitter at a kindergarten craft table. Let’s just say that my passport photo looks like I’ve just survived a 20-hour flight through turbulence with a toddler kicking the back of my seat.
Welcome aboard. We’ve officially set sail for Chaos Cove.
Here’s a peek at my actual pre-launch checklist:
• Rally ARC readers (please, please say yes)
• Finish designs for bookmarks, table overlay, and coasters (more on those in a second)
• Find something to wear. I know it sounds weird—but I need the perfect outfit that says – yes, I’m an international best-selling author, and of course, I have it all together.
• Pretend I’m not worried about another laptop stunt like that epilogue glitch from A Shiver on the River. Let’s just not talk about it.
And I’m only halfway through the list.
And now, The Coaster Chronicles (AKA How I Lost My Sanity but Gained Great Swag)
I had this amazing idea for a giveaway at the Mississippi Book Festival – a custom cocktail coaster for newsletter signups.
Reality Check: Sure I could point and click and have Amazon what I need…Sure I could have sent this off to be done but why? I’m an author AND a crafty person. Right? Suffice it to say that by the end of the 4th coat of acrylic sealer I was loopy enough to seriously consider designing a second batch with “Send Coffee and Sanity” as the tagline. The good news? They turned out gorgeous. So if you’re headed to the festival, you might just score one.
But Here’s the Thing…
Despite the chaos, the panic, and my questionable passport pic, I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Launching Betrayed on the Promenade means Kennedy’s most dangerous (and most hilarious) cruise yet is about to hit shelves. And seeing readers at the Mississippi Book Festival? That’s the dream.
So yes, I’m terrified. But I’m also beyond excited. And maybe (just maybe) I’ve figured out how to print on the correct side of the vinyl. Progress, right?
Now, if you’ll excuse me…
I need to get back to my manuscript. Kennedy’s juggling passengers, pageants, and a certain smooth-talking emcee who may or may not have just taken a very unexpected swim. Things are about to get messy—and not just because of the sequins.
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